What to do in Wichita this weekend: NCAA fan party, drag show, Esports and more
It’ll be a very basketball weekend in Wichita with the arrival of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. But there’s also plenty happening that’s not basketball related.
Here’s a look at some of the fun activities happening around Wichita during the last weekend of March.
NCAA Fan Fest
Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Naftzger Park, 601 E. Douglas
The Sweet 16 round of the women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament will be in Wichita this weekend, and even those without tickets can participate in the excitement. The Wichita Park and Recreation Department is putting on an NCAAW Fan Fest at Natzger Park, where people can watch the games on the big screen and enjoy food trucks and yard games. It’s from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and admission is free. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Esports festival
Saturday and Sunday, Century II Convention Hall, 225 W. Douglas
The Unified Esports Festival will happen this weekend at the Century II Convention Hall. Several industry professionals and special guests will be in attendance, and visitors will be able to participate in pickup games. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Spectator passes are $15 and available at www.wichitatix.com. General admission tickets, which will allow attendees to compete in games, are $35 and available for purchase at the door.
Men’s Chorus in concert
Friday and Saturday, Roxy’s Downtown, 412 1/2 E. Douglas
The Heart of America Men’s Chorus will musically travel through the decades at its “Decades Magic” concert this weekend at Roxy’s Downtown. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in costumes from their favorite decade and sing along to add to the fun. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at Roxy’s Downtown. Tickets should be reserved by calling 316-708-4837.
‘An Officer and a Gentleman’
8 p.m. Friday, Century II Concert Hall
There’s one more chance to see the Broadway stage version of the hit film “An Officer and a Gentleman.” The final Wichita performance of the show is at 8 p.m. on Friday at Century II’s Concert Hall. The show is set in Aviation Officer Candidate School and includes stunts and a score consisting of hits from the 1980s. Ticket prices range from $56 to $136 and can be purchased at wichitatix.com, the Century II box office or by calling 316-303-8100.
Little book sale
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd.
The Friends of WAM will be putting on another mini used book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the museum. The event will feature a curated selection of “gently used” books on art and other topics. Money raised will support the Wichita Art Museum. Admission is free.
Party like a drag star
8 p.m. Friday, Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex, 5015 E. 29th St. North
Wichita State University’s 12th Annual Drag Show, titled “Party Like a Drag Star,” happens at 8 p.m. Friday at the Hughes Metroplex, and the public is invited. The show will feature performances from local, regional and student drag kings and queens. Tickets are $5 for students with ID, $8 for faculty and staff, and $10 for members of the public. They’re available in advance at eventbrite.com and at the door, though the event is cashless so only cards will be accepted. The show is being put on by WSU’s Spectrum LGBTQ & Allies, WSU’s Student Activities Council and the college’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
Reggae in Wichita
8 p.m. Thursday, Wave, 650 E. Second St.
Grammy-nominated reggae band The Wailers will bring its “2022 One World Tour” to Wichita’s Wave venue on Thursday. The Wailers are best known for the album “One World, One Prayer,” which mixes Jamaican Reggae with an urban Latin sound. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show will start at 8 p.m. with opening act GhostRock. General admission tickets are $29 at waveict.com